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TopSocial Learning Theory
It is well documented that the media influences the socialization process by providing models for individuals to emulate (American Psychological Association, 2005; Anderson, 2003; Bandura, 1973; Bandura, 1986; Berger, 2005; Murray, 1980; Stein & Frederic, 1975). With the predominance of media in most people’s lives, it is important to examine the content of the messages the media are presenting to viewers. According to social learning theory, individuals will assimilate to their culture partially based on observations of the events and behaviors around them (Bandura, 1986). Learning can occur by observing others’ (i.e., models) behaviors, cognitions, and beliefs and observing the consequences of these actions, thoughts, and beliefs. Modeled actions that are rewarded are more likely to be repeated by the observer, while behaviors that are punished are not. Relevant to digital video games, exposure to virtual models can also influence subsequent behavior (Bandura, 1965; Bandura, Ross, & Ross, 1961, 1963; Meltzoff, 1988). Individuals who play video games are particularly likely to model the behavior of characters in the game that they identify with and observe being rewarded for their actions. Thus, the role of socialization in video games is both a pertinent issue and a potential concern given the literature reviewed in this manuscript.